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DWMAPI.DLL Missing/Loading Errors - Fix-it Guide
8 min. read
Updated onOctober 31, 2024
updated onOctober 31, 2024
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For fixing DLL errors, we recommend Fortect:
Fortect will search for an intitial version of your missing, corrupted or damaged DLL files that cause problems to your Windows OS and will replace it. Here is how to find them in 3 easy steps:
Are you getting the Dwmapi.dll missing or loading errors when launching a game or software?
Third-party Windows software and games may fail to load when they can’t interact with the Microsoft Desktop Window Manager API or the Dwmapi.dll file.
Luckily, I’ve tested various troubleshooting techniques to help you fix and restore themissing DLL files. Let’s check them out!
What Is Dwmapi.dll?
Dwmapi.dll is asystem file that controlsWindows Aeroand other modernMicrosoft Store Themes. It’s the API file for the Desktop Window Manager. Third-party apps and games use it to interact with the Windows default themes and other visual features.
When you see the missing or can’t load aler, it means any of the following:
How To Fix Dwmapi.dll Missing or Loading Errors
Now, let me show you how to resolve this issue:
Download Dwmapi.dll From a Third-Party Source
The best and quickest way is to download a fresh copy and place it into the appropriate directory so the app looking for this file can access it.
The app or game isn’t fully compatibleif the error is on a Windows XP PC.Still, you can try copying the DLL file in theSystem32directoryand see if there’s any improvement.
Register the DLL File Using REGSVR32.EXE
You can register the newly copied DLL file manually or force a registration if it’s already available inSystem32orSysWOW64.
Perform a Clean Boot
This method will help you find if any third-party app keeps the DLL file busy so others can’t access it. Here’s how to clean boot your Windows PC:
If this method resolves the Dwmapi.dll file missing error, it means a third-party app, service, or background process is the root cause.
PressWindows+Iand go to theAppsmenu in theWindows Settings. Uninstall any recently installed third-party program from theApps & featurescolumn on the right side of the window.
To reenable all genuine services, reverse the steps mentioned for a clean boot process and reboot the PC.
Scan the System to Find and Remove Malware
Run theMicrosoft Safety Scannerto detect and delete malware that interferes with the DLL files. Here are the simple steps:
Run System File Checker (SFC) Scan
AnSFC scancan help you fix the system files automatically when the PC is online. Here’s how:
Here are the possible results:
Run Deployment Image Service and Management Tool (DISM) Scan
Here are the possible outcomes:
Create a New User Account
Specifically for certain game apps, you should create a newWindows User Account:
Now, try to run the game app using itsEXEfile from the installation directory or theSteamapp.
Perform a System Restore
Windows OS automatically creates restore points when you make substantial changes in the device. If you didn’t disable this feature manually, you might be able to restore the PC to the last known good configuration. This should also fix the issue. Follow these steps:
Wait for the system restore process to complete automatically. Your PC might restart a few times.
Reinstall Game App
As a last resort, you might need to uninstall a game app that’s not launching due to the Dwmapi.dll missing or loading errors.
If you’ve installed it using a DVD or digitally delivered package installer, go toApps, find the game title in theApps & featuressection, click on it, and hitUninstall.
Alternatively, if you’ve used Steam, follow these steps:
Steam will start removing the local files, which might take a few minutes.
Once you see the uninstallation confirmation, again go to theLibrarytab. You should still see the game in theleft-side navigation panel.
However, if youright-clicknow, it should showInstall.
Before uninstalling the game, you can copy your progress from the game save data directory.
You should be able to find it in the following locations on your PC:
Summary
Now you know how to handle the Dwmapi.dll loading or missing error in Windows Vista and newer operating systems. To learn more about DLL files, don’t miss our latestcncs32.dll is missingarticle.
If the article helped you, feel free to comment below which method worked for you. Also, if you know of a better troubleshooting idea, mention that in your reply.
Moreover, you can learn how to fix a similar issue,HTMLayout.dll cannot be loaded.
More about the topics:DLL errors,windows 10,Windows 11
Selma Citakovic
Content Editor
Selma is a tech fan and editor at Windows Report. She is also an experienced writer with a focus on cybersecurity, troubleshooting hardware and operating systems, gaming, and all things Windows.
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Selma Citakovic
Content Editor
Selma is a tech fan and editor at Windows Report. She is also an experienced writer with a focus on cybersecurity and all things Windows related.
